Job description · Ecommerce · Full-time
Purchasing Assistant job description
A purchasing assistant sources suppliers, compares quotes, places purchase orders, and tracks them to delivery. They keep costs and lead times visible so the business buys the right things at the right time.
Responsibilities
- Request and compare quotes from suppliers
- Create and send purchase orders after approval
- Track order confirmations, production, and shipping
- Maintain supplier records, pricing, and lead times
- Flag cost changes and delivery risks early
- Reconcile received goods against purchase orders
Requirements
- Two or more years in purchasing or procurement support
- Clear supplier communication, including across time zones
- Spreadsheet skills for quote comparisons
- Organized follow-up
- Cost awareness
Tools
- Google Sheets or Excel
- Your ERP or inventory system
- QuickBooks
- Alibaba and supplier portals
What success looks like after 90 days
- Every open PO tracked with expected dates
- A supplier database with current pricing and lead times
- Monthly purchasing summary
Screening questions
Ask these before you book an interview.
- What did you purchase in past roles?
- Have you worked with overseas suppliers?
- How do you compare quotes?
- This is a full-time role working set hours each business day. Can you commit to that schedule?
Interview questions
- Two quotes differ by 15% with different lead times. How do you decide?
- A supplier misses a production date. What next?
- How do you track 30 open purchase orders?
- How do you verify a new supplier?
Hiring tip
Set approval limits in writing from day one. Clear limits let a purchasing assistant move fast without risk.
Purchasing Assistant hiring FAQ
What does a Purchasing Assistant do?
A purchasing assistant sources suppliers, compares quotes, places purchase orders, and tracks them to delivery. They keep costs and lead times visible so the business buys the right things at the right time. Day to day, the role covers work such as: request and compare quotes from suppliers, create and send purchase orders after approval, and track order confirmations, production, and shipping.
How much does it cost to hire a full-time Purchasing Assistant from the Philippines?
We place a full-time Purchasing Assistant from the Philippines for $1,800 a month. Every candidate passes our top 2% vetting, starts within 14 days, and comes with a 1-week trial backed by a replacement or refund. The price is a flat monthly rate for a dedicated full-time hire.
What skills should a Purchasing Assistant have?
Look for: two or more years in purchasing or procurement support, clear supplier communication, including across time zones, spreadsheet skills for quote comparisons, and organized follow-up. Common tools include Google Sheets or Excel, Your ERP or inventory system, QuickBooks, and Alibaba and supplier portals.
What should a Purchasing Assistant achieve in the first 90 days?
Every open PO tracked with expected dates, A supplier database with current pricing and lead times, and monthly purchasing summary.
Can I copy and edit this Purchasing Assistant job description?
Yes. Copy it with one click, edit it for your business, and post it anywhere. For a version built from your own task list, open it in our free job description generator, or book a strategy call and we will find the hire for you.
Want us to find your Purchasing Assistant?
We place a full-time Purchasing Assistant from the Philippines for $1,800 a month. Every candidate passes our top 2% vetting, starts within 14 days, and comes with a 1-week trial backed by a replacement or refund.